{"id":20712,"date":"2016-10-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/?p=20712"},"modified":"2022-01-18T19:37:19","modified_gmt":"2022-01-19T00:37:19","slug":"nova-scotia-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/nova-scotia-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Eating all of the lobster: a 5-day Nova Scotia road trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arguably one of the most diverse and riveting provinces in Canada, Nova Scotia encompasses everything from a rich cultural heritage to an enviable coastline, all of which are complemented by some of the friendliest locals I’ve ever met. While there are several options as far as Nova Scotia road trips<\/a> are concerned, I was recently given the opportunity to cover about 700 kilometres looping the southwestern portion of Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, lobster was a daily occurrence. Just in case you wondered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halifax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As the main purpose of this trip was to weave in and out of Nova Scotian coastal villages, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time in the capital city<\/a> but what I did manage to see was quite appealing. It truly is steeped in maritime heritage as the second<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite bit, however, was indulging in two Titanic-related attractions; yes, I still have the Titanic<\/em> VHS cassettes and have watched it countless times, making me a bit of a geek of all things Titanic. The former is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic<\/a>, which, in addition to showcasing artefacts from the ship, explains the backstory of the greatest marine disaster in recorded history and why it is still today so closely linked to Halifax. Our guide Bob Price<\/a> was instrumental in making this portion of the trip remarkably memorable as he seemed to have infinite knowledge about the “unsinkable’s” anecdotes and annals (ask him about the story of the Unknown Child and the Strauss’). Did you know, for instance, that the Titanic sank because it was well on its way to beat a speed record? Indeed, it was going full speed despite icebergs having been sighted in the area by other ships; but officers on board wouldn’t have known, as they had turned off the radio emitter after being annoyed at receiving too many “Rest For The Night” messages. Unfortunately, it would later on lead them to use the very first ever SOS signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latter attraction is Fairview Cemetery<\/a>, where several of the wreck’s victims and crew members \u2014including a Jack Dawson, I kid you not\u2014 are buried. While the Titanic’s survivors went to New York, 358 of those who perished came to Halifax after being recovered by the Canadian Navy on orders of the White Star Line. The grim task was completed in May and the majority of the bodies were unloaded at the Coal or Flagship Wharf on the Halifax waterfront and  horse-drawn hearses brought them to their final resting places. Victims were dispatched in three distinct cemeteries, depending on whether they were Jewish, Catholic or Protestant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where I stayed: The Halliburton<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peggy’s Cove – Lighthouse Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Lighthouse Route<\/a> is undoubtedly one of Nova Scotia’s most scenic attractions. The Instagram-friendly whitewashed structures sit high upon the smooth wave-worn granite boulders of the Atlantic coast, have been dutifully guarding seafaring visitors and hard-working fishermen for centuries. Very few of them are actually visible from the main coastal road (being slightly out of sight makes them all the more special if you ask me!) so you’ll have to keep an eye out for signs along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when you inevitably stop at Peggy’s Cove<\/a> \u2014it is, after all, one of the most photographed spots in Canada; it still has a working post office in the lower level\u2014 don’t forget to spend a little time in the village itself. The textbook definition of quaint and photogenic, this fishing hamlet is dotted with colourful and rugged sheds perched along a narrow inlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunenburg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The seafaring town of Lunenburg<\/a> is also one of Nova Scotia’s hottest destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. It has virtually not been touched since its completion in the 18th century \u2014a veritable living postcard!\u2014 and is considered to be the best surviving planned British colonial town in North America. The tranquil port is still, to this day,\u00a0bristled with tall ships including the Bluenose II replica, Nova Scotia’s emblematic sailing ambassador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunenburg\u2019s harbour-side streets are lined with charming rainbow-coloured wooden houses which can be anything from heavily-photographed private residences, coffee shops filled with locals, gourmet restaurants (I recommend Salt Shaker Deli<\/a>, especially on a sunny day) or even a former blacksmith shop turned boutique distillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend the walking tour with local encyclopaedia Ralph Getson<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where I stayed: Lunenburg Arms Hotel & Spa <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitepoint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As one of Nova Scotia\u2019s oldest and most popular oceanfront beach vacation destinations for almost a century, it was definitely unthinkable to overlook Whitepoint. Situated along a unique 1-kilometre white sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, it offers stunning sunrises and sunsets as well as a plethora of water sports with very strong “that lodge in Dirty Dancing” vibes. The resort is also famous for its healthy community of rabbits, which you are welcome to feed and pet as much as you like. As Whitepoint is also located on the Lighthouse Route, there are quite a few to be seen in the vicinity, like Fort Point Lighthouse<\/a>, Port Medway Lighthouse<\/a> and Western Head Lighthouse.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where I stayed: White Point Beach Resort<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acadie – Evangeline Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Come learn about the French heritage of Nova Scotia in the Acadie region<\/a>, where you’ll find countless reminders of the intrepid French settlers who first claimed Nova Scotia as their home in the 17th-century. Visit Fort Point Museum<\/a>, see the impressive Acadian-built dykes at Grand-Pr\u00e9 National Historic Site<\/a> and admire the largest wooden church in North America, \u00c9glise Sainte-Marie<\/a> at Church Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also recommend stopping at La Cuisine Robicheau<\/a> in Saulnierville, a seaside restaurant entirely dedicated to hearty authentic Acadian cuisine with specialities like the traditional Rappie Pie<\/em>, an odd-looking dish of grated potatoes with chicken <\/em>and the infinitely more appealing Gratin Robicheau<\/em>, which basically is creamed lobster and scallops covered in grated cheese. Yep. It was GREAT. Desserts should not be overlooked, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annapolis Royal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stroll around the historic town of Annapolis Royal<\/a> where you’ll find yourself transported back in time on one of the oldest and best preserved 16th-century streets this side of the pond, flanked by stately manors on either side; in fact, Annapolis Royal was home to some of North America’s earliest European settlers. Samuel de Champlain himself named this hamlet Port-Royal upon his arrival. Annapolis Royal served as Nova Scotia\u2019s capital until the founding of Halifax in 1749 and was eventually renamed in honour of Queen Anne. It remains one of the most fought over lands in North America, having changed hands seven times in total; it is, therefore, awash with history, especially so as Canada’s oldest national historic site, Fort Anne<\/a>, is located right on its waterfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On thisNova Scotia road trip I particularly enjoyed the Candlelight Graveyard Tour<\/a> which, I assure you, has nothing to do with silly ghost stories. Led by internationally-acclaimed heritage interpreter Alan Melanson, this compact tour tells the fascinating stories of those who rest six feet under and helped shape not only Annapolis Royal but Nova Scotia and even Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where I stayed: Hillsdale House Inn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hall’s Harbour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n